Letters on biased dress code

Women attorneys object to biased dress code

The Kansas Women Attorneys Association, a statewide organization of 260 members, protests the “11-point code of conduct” issued by Sen. Mitch Holmes, R-St. John, that contained dress code suggestions singling out women appearing before legislative committees (Jan. 23 Eagle).

First, as Kansans share their concerns with Senate committees, the KWAA encourages the legislators to pay attention to those citizens, rather than to what the citizens are wearing. Second, as an organization of professional women who are often asked to lend their expertise to the Legislature on behalf of their clients, their employers or other organizations, KWAA strongly objects to any rules or guidelines that are targeted at women.

In 2016, testifying citizens are entitled to be treated equally, without regard to gender or appearance. Any suggestion of different rules for males and females should be rejected.

There was a time in our not-too-distant history when only males were welcomed and treated as equals in the legislative process. That time is past. The current Legislature should recognize that gender equality benefits all of us, and should guard against the kind of backward and insulting language employed by Holmes.

This biased dress code has created a bigger distraction from the Legislature’s focus on the serious issues facing our state than any miniskirt.

Clothing problem?

Our state Senate is wasting no time in getting to the really important issues. Sen. Mitch Holmes, R-St. John, led the pack by addressing the terrible problem of provocative women testifying on bills (Jan. 23 Eagle). And his guidelines were so clearly defined that they could be easily enforced.

Aren’t you so very proud and excited that we have intelligent, mature lawmakers who are on top of the critical issues confronting our state? The excitement is making me a little nauseated.

What’s next? Burqas?

If Sen. Mitch Holmes, R-St. John, is “distracted” by what women are wearing, then his level of concentration on the real business of Kansas must be very low (Jan. 23 Eagle). This inability to think clearly about the problems of the elderly, the disabled, our public schools and the medical needs of Kansas workers may explain his mindless votes for the agenda put forth by the American Legislative Exchange Council and the governor.

What will Holmes’ next proposal for women be – a demand they walk 10 feet behind male legislators? Directions for women to wear burqas in the Capitol?

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Letters on biased dress code."